2011 Census time to fill in those forms

Over 360,000 people in England and Wales have taken advantage of the help available online and over the phone to help them fill in their 2011 census questionnaires.

Latest figures show the national Census Helpline on 0300 0201 101 has taken
342,971 calls since lines opened on March 4. Just over 20,000 people have used the census website's online help facility at www.census.gov.uk to seek help getting started and completing the questionnaire.

Now that most of the census forms have been delivered to 26 million households across England and Wales, popular requests about the census from helpline callers and people enquiring online at www.census.gov.uk include:

• When can I fill in the form online?
• What should I do if I'm away from home or on holiday?
• What are the legal responsibilities for individuals filling in the form?
• Can I have a replacement questionnaire because I've spilled tea, coffee on it or my dog has chewed it?

2011 Census Director Glen Watson said: "I am pleased so many people are taking the time to ask questions about the census when they need help.

"I urge everyone to fill in their census questionnaires to ensure a better future for all. The census provides a richly detailed snapshot of society that helps the right decisions to be made in future about services including housing, schools and health provision."

Concerning the dog question - as with homework, "the dog ate it" doesn't excuse you filling it out! It has to be done. Contact the 2011 Census helpline and they will provide another form.

Here are answers to some of the public's questions:

Question - When can people fill in their form online?

Answer - As soon as you receive your paper questionnaire, you will be able to complete and submit the online questionnaire. Please remember that your completed questionnaire should accurately describe your household and visitors on census night, Sunday 27 March.

The paper questionnaire has your personal internet access code printed on the front page. You will need it to open your online questionnaire.

Answers should reflect all those living or staying in your household (including any overnight visitors) on census day, Sunday 27 March.

Question - What if I'm away on Census Day?

Answer - 2011 Census requires everyone to be counted at the address where they usually live. Anyone away from home on census day, Sunday 27 March, must be included on the household questionnaire for their usual address.

If everyone in the household is away on census day please complete and return your questionnaire before you go or as soon as possible afterwards. Remember to make sure your answers are about your household on census day.

Your questionnaire needs to include all people who usually live at this address.
This means that you should include everyone for whom this is their permanent or family home, even if they are working or studying away from home.

If you are staying at another address in the United Kingdom on census night you should be included as a visitor on the questionnaire for that address.

Question - What are the legal responsibilities?

Answer - The information you supply on your questionnaire is essential to produce accurate, high quality statistics.

The 2011 Census needs to include everyone. That's why every household in England and Wales must, by law, complete a census questionnaire. The householder must provide information about the accommodation and all the people who are living or staying there on 27 March 2011.

If you refuse to complete and return the questionnaire, or give false information, you may be liable for a fine. This liability does not apply to the completion of the religion question.

Question - How do I request a replacement questionnaire?

Answer - If you have lost, damaged, or not received your household questionnaire, or if there is more than one household at your address you can request a replacement form.  If there is not enough space for all your household members and visitors on your questionnaire, you can either complete online (where there is space for 30 members and nine visitors), or fill in both your paper household questionnaire and one or more continuation questionnaires.

If you don't want your information seen by other members of your household, you can complete an individual questionnaire. This can be completed online or on paper.

About the census

1.   The census provides an estimate of the population of England and Wales and is carried out every ten years by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The information given is confidential and is protected by law.

2.   The statistics derived from the census underpin the allocation of important
funding for necessary services like education, transport and health. They are also used by policy makers in central and local government to identify and understand the needs of communities.

3.   In March 2011 each household in England and Wales will receive a
questionnaire through the post.  The questionnaires can then be completed and returned by post or using the new secure online questionnaire.

4.   ONS is responsible for carrying out the census in England and Wales.

5.   National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in
the Code of Practice for official statistics. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference. © Crown copyright 2010

6.   For the latest on Census, follow us on Twitter @2011censuspress and
@2011censusinfo.

7.   Census has Youtube and Flickr channels. Find out more at
www.youtube.com/2011census and www.flickr.com/2011census